Hyundai had no base 4-cylinder Tucson GLs available for the test drive, which was a shame. Due to its $19,995 price point and

The Tucson comes with a powerful V6 for a similar price to most rival's 4-cylinder models. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

top-tier standard equipment, such as antilock brakes, electronic stability program (ESP), traction control, power windows and door locks, and a rear window wiper/washer, the 140 horsepower entry model should sell well. It makes 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, which isn't stellar for a 1,470 kg (3,240 lb) SUV nor when compared to its 4-cylinder competitors. To be fair to Hyundai though, the Tucson comes with a powerful V6 for a similar price to most rival's 4-cylinder models. I should also mention, the base car gets a standard 5-speed manual transmission, and if ordered with the 4-speed automatic receives Shiftronic manual-mode as part of the package. I found little fade from the standard 4-wheel disc brakes. Four discs is unusual for this segment, and offering a sophisticated 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS setup as standard equipment is even more unusual, but much appreciated. Also standard is electronic traction control, making the best use of standard 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels on 215/65R-16 tires helping out in the grip department. Optional 6-spoke alloys with 235/60R-16 BF Goodrich tires are available.

Standard 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels on 215/65R-16 tires help out in the grip department. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Other than its initial price, however, you may want to spring for non-standard 6-cylinder Tucson, as there isn't a great advantage in fuel efficiency to endure the 4-cylinder's power discrepancy. In base form with an automatic transmission, the Tucson is rated at 10.7 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 L/100 km on the highway. The V6, only available with an automatic, gets 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 L/100 km on the highway. Incidentally, if you choose a manual over an automatic to save on fuel the margins are even more nominal, at 10.6 and 7.9 respectively, only a 0.1 difference from the automatic in both city and highway ratings. When all-wheel drive is added, only available with the V6 and auto gearbox, consumption goes up to 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 8.8 on the highway, still quite efficient.